Contemporary Varieties of Religious Experience

A book-length analysis examines how William James's 1902 classic, Varieties of Religious Experience, holds up against a century of subsequent research in neuro-cognitive science, neuro-hormonal studies, resiliency, temperament, and trauma. The author extends James's own investigative methods to assess his assertions about religious experience. The work argues that James's perspective remains extraordinarily valuable for religion, psychology, and spirituality today, offering insights for pastoral care and faith development. It traces James's evolution as a psychologist and philosopher, and the author's account is described as remarkably clear and well-documented, making a major contribution to contemporary research on religious experience in a globalized context.

Study at a glance

Abstract

First published in 1902, William James's Varieties of Religious Experience is considered a classic in religious studies and the psychology of religion. But how has James's classic study weathered decades of development in psychology and behavioral sciences? Do the assertions about religious experience in the Varieties still ring true in light of neuro-cognitive and neuro-hormonal research, resiliency studies, studies of temperament, and traumatic studies? By extending William James's own research throughout the century since its publication this volume seeks to answer those questions. In doing so, it revolutionizes our understanding of James's own view of psychology and reveals the extraordinary value of James's perspective for religion, psychology, and spirituality today. In doing so, it offers vital insights for pastoral care and faith development at both the individual and congregational level. From the Introduction by James Fowler: Drawing on the authenticity of her own experience, Bridgers carries us into a remarkably clear and well documented account that traces William James's evolution as a psychologist, philosopher, and a deeply engaged inquirer into the dynamics of spiritual development and transformation... This book has a major contribution to make. Bridgers's study illumines the horizons of contemporary research in the study of religious experience, in all its varieties, and in the context of globalization.